As a GED and basic college math instructor, I've found that using PowerPoints or a document camera to project information onto a large screen grabs the attention of the visual learner. I also like to use Excel to present some mathematical content using the various charts and graphs in color that Excel so very much lends itself to. I also use different colored markers and do quite a few math problems on the marker board for them to see.
I like using PowerPoint presentations in conjunction, visual and auditory aids, for example practicing a skill immediately after learning it, with the use of a simulator. It is important to build upon students’ strengths.
wall charts, videos well done power points, and Prezi seems to reach out to this type of learner
Hi Larry, Thanks for your post to the forum. You have some good ideas for your visual learners! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
I would set up hands on demonstrations for the class material. Quite easy for my occupation (medical equipment repair)as I have plenty of devices for that. However, I am not sure how I would handle this question for a lecture type subject. I do have an introduction to medical equipment repair that is mostly lecture, so I do need to sort this out.
I would use the white board more, augment with You Tube videos, and place permanent lecture points on a reusable easel. I haven't thought out-side-the-box enough on this one yet for other options.
Hi Kristina, Thanks for sharing some excellent advice for visual learners! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
The use of color is a great tool to help visual learners organize information. When I am teaching students about the human muscular system I try to incorporate drawing/coloring activities to help them better learn the locations/insertions/origins of muscles. It creates a great study guide that students keep for future reference.
Hi Jamie, Wow - you are certainly covering all the bases! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
Hi William, Thanks for your post to the forum. Yes, power point can be very useful as can videos. (I love YouTube!)
Susan Polick
In weld instruction we love text with photos backed with power point demos of actual process in classroom followed by live instructor demo given with the power point procedure from the previous day. Text pictures, power point or DVD to actual hands on demo by instructor.
The use of power point and additional visual aides will help the studnet retain material best.
Hi Nicole, Thanks for an excellent post to the forum! As a visual learner myself, I very much agree. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
Hi Susan,
When dealing with visual learners, it is important to fist understand what comes naturally to these types of students. Visual learners are generally more inclined to remember details associated with colors, mental pictures, and envisioning concepts as a whole – as opposed to individual parts. An instructional strategy conducive with color association would be to arrange content in the form of graphic representations (e.g. charts, diagrams). Creating mental pictures for students generally works best if represented through some type of visual format such as live models and videos. Lastly, motivational stories are another instructional strategy that often helps visual students to grasp the entirety of a concept.
~ Nicole
Hi Daniel, Thanks for your post to the forum. I agree that it is desirable to expose students to learning styles other than the one that they prefer. They will be certainly experiencing this in the workplace. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
I like to vary my techniques as much as possible no matter what type of learners i have. I also try to put several techniques into each lesson so that all students get exposed to various supporting data. One example is that I may have a blank chart on the wall that the students would have to analyze information that I put out then discuss the possible outcomes of the topic amongst themselves (with me facilitating), fill in the chart or graph with their analysis, and then explain their findings to the class. I think that people have one style of learning that they're more comfortable with, but the more methods or examples they have the better. Also, you have to reinforce learning through other styles since not all information can be delivered in all formats.
Use maps and flow charts.
Hi Todd, Thanks for sharing great ideas for visual learners! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
With visual learners I use PowerPoint, Color Handouts with highlighting and graphics, cartoons and pictures, and definitely am much more animated in my presentation.
Hi Daniel, I'm glad you found it useful!
Susan Polick
I really like this idea and actually I just thought of a way this can solve a problem I have with having to constantly write and erase a certain set of information on the board. Thanks!
